Willow Go Breast Pump Review: Honest Thoughts from a Pumping Mom
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As an exclusively pumping mom, I know how important it is to find a pump that works with your lifestyle, not against it. If you’re considering a wearable pump, you’ve probably seen the Willow Go pop up in your search. I was using it almost daily for awhile, and in this Willow Go breast pump review, I’m sharing my honest experience: the good, the frustrating, and whether I think it’s worth the hype.
Quick Overview: Willow Go Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
Wireless and portable
No flanges sticking out of your bra
Quick and responsive customer service
Optional 7 oz containers available
Splash guards help reduce mess
Parts are easy to clean (just not dishwasher-tested)
❌ Cons:
Motors started chirping within 2 weeks
Must be assembled perfectly for suction to work
Battery only lasts about 2 pump sessions
No case or charging block included
Replacement parts are pricey
Must be hand-washed
First Impressions: Willow Go Breast Pump Review
Right out of the box, the Willow Go looks sleek and minimal. I loved that it didn’t have flanges hanging off of me. Finally a pump that didn’t make me feel like a robot. But one of the first things I noticed was what wasn’t included: there’s no carrying case unless you get a bundle, and the charging block costs extra (plus $10 shipping if you order it from their site). For the price point, I really think both should be included.
📦 Setup & Motor Issues
Not even two weeks in, my motors started chirping like a squeaky little bird. Super frustrating, but here’s the upside: Willow’s customer service was amazing. They sent me new motors via air shipping the next day.
Surprisingly, the original motors calmed down a bit, so I kept using them while keeping the new ones in the box as a backup. They did end up finally dying, so I replaced them with the new ones.
Honestly, I just don’t use my Willow Go’s anymore, as I’ve found better options that don’t drive me as crazy, so I don’t really have an update on how long the new motors have lasted because I have grabbed for them since replacing them!
🍼 Pumping Performance
When everything is set up perfectly, the Willow Go works really well for me. But I do mean perfectly. If ANYTHING is slightly off (even when it looks correct), it won’t suction. I often find myself adjusting, tinkering, or just restarting my setup entirely.
On good days, it’s smooth and efficient. On bad days? I want to throw it out the window.
As for battery life, I usually pump for 30 minutes and can get about two full sessions per charge. Not terrible, but definitely not the strongest battery out there if you’re pumping multiple times on the go.
Cleaning & Parts
The Willow Go has 6 parts (including the new splash guard stoppers, 7 parts if you need a flange insert) which is quite a bit of parts. They also haven’t been officially tested for the bottlewashers (but are apparently dishwasher safe per their website??), so you’ll need to hand wash everything or throw them in the regular dishwasher. It’s a bit of a pain.
Everyone has a bottle washer these days, so why haven’t they been tested? P.S- If you don’t have a bottle washer yet, check out my Honest Review: Momcozy Bottle Washer Sterilizer and Dryer on the blog!
Another downside is the price of replacement parts. They’re just not budget friendly. In this economy, I really can't afford to spend $20+ dollars on a pair of diaphragms or duckbills. Are they made of gold?! That’s something to keep in mind if you’re budgeting for a long-term pump. Overall, this Willow Go breast pump review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning that convenience does come with some added cost.
Final Thoughts: Do I Recommend the Willow Go?
I have a total love-hate relationship with this pump. I love the freedom of going wireless. I love the comfort and the sleek design. And on the days when it works flawlessly, I genuinely feel like it’s worth every penny.
But when I’m in a rush and the suction won’t kick in because something is slightly misaligned, it can be really frustrating. It’s not the most forgiving pump when it comes to setup, and the battery life could be better. That said, Willow’s customer service and the pump’s portability are nice.
If you’re a part-time pumper, work outside the home, or want a hands-free option to pair with another pump, the Willow Go could be a solid fit for you. Just know that there’s a bit of a learning curve—and some occasional chirping..
Also, I’d definitely recommend purchasing the extended insurance available on their website or through Amazon. Willow includes a one-year warranty, but they offer longer coverage options. Based on my own experience (and what I’ve read while researching) motor issues aren’t super uncommon, so having that extra protection is totally worth it for peace of mind and if you’re planning on pumping longer than a year.
Want to Try the Willow Go?
If you’re curious to try it out yourself, here’s where you can grab it:
